Clay Bank resident harnesses wind energy

William Dodson Jr., D.M.D., left, and Daniel A. Smith, an electrician with Asbury Electric, stand on top of the old Groh’s grain elevator on Dodson’s property, adjacent to the York River. Behind them is a windmill Dodson placed atop the structure to generate electricity. Photo by Quinton Sheppard.

A Clay Bank resident is in the beginning stages of using an alternative form of energy atop a local historic landmark to create green energy.

William Dodson Jr., D.M.D, who chairs Gloucester’s Go Green Advisory Committee, has erected a windmill on the top of the old Groh’s grain elevator on his property, adjacent to the York River.

According to Dodson, his windmill will generate electricity that can be stored, used and/or distributed to others.

The energy, Dodson said, is converted from DC to AC through a device called an inverter. The energy generated can be either immediately used or stored in batteries and then used as needed.

The power that is not used or stored can be transferred to the energy company to serve the local area, which in this case is Dominion Virginia Power. Dodson said trading power with Dominion can be done in two ways: Netzero or wholesale.